Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech startup, has announced a major breakthrough in its ambitious mission to bring back the dodo bird, a species that went extinct more than 350 years ago. By successfully growing pigeon primordial germ cells—an essential foundation for sperm and eggs—the company claims it is now closer than ever to reviving one of the world’s most iconic extinct creatures.
Why This Matters
The dodo bird has long symbolized extinction, often cited as a cautionary tale of how human activity can wipe out species. Scientists believe that if cutting-edge technology can help restore this lost bird, it could also provide solutions to protect endangered animals today. Colossal Biosciences says its genetic engineering methods may not only resurrect extinct species but also ensure biodiversity for generations to come.
This breakthrough highlights a new era in biotechnology, where reviving vanished species is no longer just a dream of science fiction but a possible reality.
The Latest Breakthrough
In its recent announcement, Colossal confirmed that it has managed to successfully cultivate pigeon primordial germ cells. These are the founding blocks required to produce sperm and eggs in birds. According to the company, this marks a “pivotal step” in the journey toward bringing back the dodo bird, which disappeared from Mauritius in the late 1600s.
Alongside the scientific milestone, the startup also revealed a massive financial boost—$120 million in fresh funding, raising its total company valuation to $10.3 billion. Investors clearly see promise not only in reviving the dodo bird but also in applying this technology to other endangered and extinct animals.
State of the Science
Colossal Biosciences has been making headlines for bold claims in de-extinction science. Earlier this year, the company announced progress in reviving the dire wolf, another species thought lost to history. It is also working to reintroduce the legendary woolly mammoth to the Arctic tundra, with the aim of combating climate change by restoring lost ecosystems.
Additionally, the company has successfully cloned four red wolf–coyote hybrids, part of a conservation effort to save one of the rarest wolf species in the world. These experiments showcase how Colossal’s methods are not limited to bringing back long-extinct animals but also have direct implications for current conservation challenges.
How Scientists Plan to Revive the Dodo Bird
The scientific process behind reviving the dodo bird is complex yet fascinating.
- Finding the Closest Relative: Researchers developed a Texas colony of Nicobar pigeons, the closest living relatives of the dodo bird. These pigeons play a crucial role in understanding and recreating the dodo’s genome.
- Creating Surrogates: Colossal’s team used gene-editing techniques on chickens, ensuring they no longer produce their own germ cells. These genetically modified chickens will serve as surrogates for the dodo bird.
- Injecting Germ Cells: By injecting the pigeon primordial germ cells into chicken embryos, scientists hope the chickens can eventually lay eggs that hatch into pigeons with dodo-like characteristics.
- Step-by-Step Evolution: With further refinement, the ultimate goal is to use this technique to recreate a living version of the extinct dodo bird.
A First-of-Its-Kind Achievement
This announcement is groundbreaking because it marks the first time scientists have successfully created primordial germ cells for any bird species other than chickens and geese. Until now, attempts to expand this cellular technology to other birds had failed.
By crossing this scientific barrier, Colossal has opened the door not only for the dodo bird but for a wide variety of endangered and extinct birds. It may help preserve species that are disappearing at alarming rates due to climate change, habitat loss, and human exploitation.
Global Reaction
The news has sparked excitement as well as debate in the scientific community. Supporters argue that reviving the dodo bird could serve as a powerful symbol of hope in the fight against biodiversity loss. Critics, however, warn that de-extinction projects are expensive, uncertain, and may distract from the urgent need to protect species currently at risk.
Yet, with Colossal’s growing financial backing and its track record of experimental success, it appears that de-extinction is moving from theoretical research into real-world application.
Beyond the Dodo Bird
While the dodo bird captures public imagination, the technology behind its revival could have much broader implications.
- Endangered Bird Species: Birds like the Kakapo from New Zealand or the California condor could benefit from the same methods.
- Mammal Restoration: Projects involving the woolly mammoth and dire wolf aim to restore lost ecosystems and even fight climate change.
- Biodiversity Preservation: These scientific breakthroughs could eventually slow or even reverse the global biodiversity crisis.
Also read: John Ball Zoological Garden: A Complete Guide to Michigan’s Wildlife Treasure
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Recreating an extinct species is not as simple as growing cells. Scientists must overcome hurdles related to genetic accuracy, ecological integration, and ethical concerns.
Even if a dodo bird is successfully hatched, questions remain:
- Will it behave like the original species?
- Can it survive in today’s ecosystems?
- How will reintroduced species affect existing wildlife?
These questions highlight the complexity of de-extinction and why many experts urge caution alongside innovation.
Also read: John Ball Zoo 2025: Endangered Pygmy Hippo Birth Brings Hope for Conservation
The Bottom Line
Colossal Biosciences’ announcement represents a landmark step in de-extinction science. By creating pigeon primordial germ cells, the company has inched closer to bringing back the dodo bird, once considered a permanent symbol of extinction.
Whether or not the dodo bird eventually returns to the forests of Mauritius, the journey itself is reshaping how we think about conservation, biodiversity, and humanity’s role in repairing past ecological mistakes.
As Colossal continues its work, the world will be watching closely—because if the dodo bird can rise again, it could change the future of conservation forever.
